S&P 500 may face selling pressure as systematic funds reach full exposure
On Tuesday, BMO Capital Markets updated its view on Driven Brands (NASDAQ:DRVN), increasing the price target to $16.00 from $15.00 while maintaining a Market Perform rating. Currently trading at $15.64, the stock sits within a broader analyst target range of $14.50 to $22.00. The adjustment follows Driven Brands’ announcement of its U.S. car wash business sale to Whistle Express Car Wash for approximately $385 million, a transaction valued at around 8 times the 2024 adjusted EBITDA of roughly $50 million. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company currently shows a FAIR financial health score, with detailed metrics available in the Pro Research Report.
The company’s fourth-quarter results for 2024 were recently released, but the focus has shifted towards this significant divestiture. With a market capitalization of $2.58 billion and trailing twelve-month revenue of $2.33 billion, the sale is in line with investor expectations and is anticipated to streamline the company’s narrative, potentially leading to increased investor attention on the performance of Driven Brands’ Take 5 Oil Change segment. InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive financial analysis and additional ProTips about the company’s growth prospects.
In addition to the sale, Driven Brands revealed an upcoming change in leadership. Current Chief Operating Officer Daniel Rivera is set to assume the role of President and CEO. Jonathan Fitzpatrick, the outgoing President and CEO, is slated to transition to the position of nonexecutive chairman. These executive changes are expected to take effect on May 9.
The strategic move to sell the car wash business is seen as a positive step for Driven Brands, providing an opportunity to focus on its core operations and growth areas. With the leadership transition and the divestiture, the company is poised to refine its business strategy and potentially improve its market performance.
Investors will likely watch closely as Driven Brands navigates these changes and assesses the impact on the company’s financials and operational efficiency. The increased price target from BMO Capital reflects a cautious optimism about the company’s direction following these developments.
In other recent news, Driven Brands Holdings Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its U.S. car wash operations to Whistle Express Car Wash for $385 million. This transaction, aimed at streamlining the company’s focus on its Take 5 Oil Change brand and franchise operations, involves a cash payment of $255 million and a $130 million interest-bearing seller note. Driven Brands plans to use the proceeds primarily for debt reduction, targeting a net leverage ratio of 3x or lower by the end of 2026. Additionally, the company announced a leadership transition, with Daniel Rivera set to take over as President and CEO on May 9, 2025. Current CEO Jonathan Fitzpatrick will step down but remain as Non-Executive Chair and senior advisor to ensure a smooth transition. In another executive change, Chief Accounting Officer Michael Beland will resign on January 3, 2025, to pursue other opportunities. CFO Michael Diamond will temporarily assume Beland’s responsibilities while the company searches for a permanent replacement. These developments reflect Driven Brands’ ongoing strategic adjustments and leadership evolution.
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